How To Get Into Filmmaking

In my ongoing effort to highlight filmmakers who forgo excuses and take action to get movies seen and selling, I would like to highlight a Filmmaking Stuff reader named Jeff who has started produced his first movie. In the following letter, he highlights how to get into filmmaking – based on his experience

Hi Jason – I’ve been conferencing with my business partner and have been sharing your insightful e-mails which have been endlessly useful. In a bizarre way I feel as though in the back of my head I already knew these things but none of them clicked in my head until you put them into words.

I admire the fact that you are able to offer the informative details that I read regularly.

I began about 3 years ago after a Halloween party where I met a gentleman who did stunning visual make up. This man walked in looking three steps past zombie and it reminded me of an idea another friend and I had discussed prior. The idea seemed so out of reach until this guy walked in looking professional grade horrifying. It showed me that people DO do this. This man would become my business partner and we would complete our first independent short within the year.

As much as we loved it then, we see now 1001 ways we could have done it better. It remains a soft spot in our hearts however there has been discussion about revising and redoing it full length down the road. However currently we have another piece of work that has captured our attention. We thus far have found the hardest aspect is reliable “Volunteers” in our no budget endeavor. We have been running things as a two man crew and had discussed possibly enlarging our base crew.

We do it for the excitement of each new project and the gratification of completion. As well to allow local talents a chance to do something beyond what they would have previously given themselves credit for. We do wish to make the endeavor profitable however that has never been the primary focus. We are largely displeased with the films of modern day and miss the classic nuance of films say 20 years prior. We wish to learn every aspect.

I myself handle primarily editing as well as acting when need be. Every new trick I learn is a whole new world of exciting. Our focus is primarily on the horror genre, reawakening people to the lore that existed between the 60’s and 80’s, prior to the time of gore substituting horror.

Jeff is a great example of a filmmaker who has taken stock of his resources and is making the movie he can make this year. This is the important first step for anybody who wants to make movies. Nobody will do it for you. And it is best to stop making excuses and start pushing forward with your projects.

If you are looking for more filmmaking information, you might want to download my filmmaking checklist.

About Jason Brubaker

Jason Brubaker is a Hollywood based Independent Motion Picture Producer and an expert in Video On Demand distribution. He is focused on helping YOU make, market and sell movies more easily by growing your fan base, building buzz and creating community around your title. He is also available for speaking engagements.

Comments

Just wanted to say that even If I don’t post much (or at all), I’ve been following this page closely since the first day I heard about you and your pro-active film antics. Keep up the good work, and yeah, we’re learning everyday!

That’s some good advice for newcomers – I’m trying to do the same thing on my blog as I journey towards a career as a director (of film and commercial). Please feel free to share it! And get in touch with me – I always want to meet more filmmakers!

Affiliate Disclosure:

You should assume that the owner of this website is an affiliate for providers of goods and services mentioned on this website and may be compensated when you purchase from a provider. To learn more, Click Here.

About Jason Brubaker

Jason Brubaker is a Hollywood based Independent Motion Picture Producer and an expert in Video On Demand distribution. He is focused on helping YOU make, market and sell movies more easily by growing your fan base, building buzz and creating community around your title. He is also available for speaking engagements.Read More…